Mar 9, 2016

Manishh Anand, founder and chairman at Utilis Capital Advisors Bangalore-based Utilis Capital Advisors is looking at investing in pure-play technology companies in the fields of IoT, artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud data, followed by technology-leveraged B2C startups in fin-tech, edu-tech and health-tech, through its $15 million seed fund. The company expects to have the first batch of 10-12 startups ready to be showcased to its GP panel by April with the first deal announcement in May. “We would like to be the first investor of choice. We like large markets, scalable business models and driven entrepreneurs. We will avoid me-too businesses and niche market segments,” said Manishh Anand, founder and chairman at Utilis Capital Advisors. Its $15 million (around Rs 100 crore) Utilis Fund I is a five-year fund which will invest up to 25 early-stage startups in 24-30 months. The fund will invest $100,000-$500,000, on average, in early-stage businesses, which could include ideas at the drawing board stage or startups with significant traction.